The research also found that changes in drinking behaviour were resulting in a large number of harms in the home with four million Australians negatively affected by the alcohol consumption of a household member, relative or friend.

"Drinking at home can contribute to the normalisation of drinking when done in front of children," Mr Thorn said. "This study aims to establish harms to others rather than just the drinker."

Station hotel regular Corey Smith said despite the increased cost of living he still preferred to drink at his local because of the camaraderie that it had.

"I come here to have a yarn," Mr Smith said. "There's more people at the pub."

Findings

74% of people mainly consume alcohol at home or at a friend's house; 24% of people mainly consume alcohol at a pub, club or restaurant; Gen Y (38%) is more likely than Gen X (20%) and Baby Boomers (19%) to consume alcohol at a pub, club or restaurant.